Watch any open randori session, and you can generally identify nage patterns in quick
order. While there is no limit on the number of Arm Bars you might employ during
the test, it is refreshing to see an occasional Arm Bar Throw, or a Spinning Arm
Bar, or perhaps ~ dare I say it ~ “a Scissors Application!”

‘Variety’ it is the spice of life in all things; including aikido. In my training,
I’ve worked with several students of all belt levels ~ myself being one of them ~
who at one point or another became frustrated at the lack of perceived variety in
their free style defenses. Simply put, they wanted to do more than Arm Bars and
Elbow Chops during their self defense test.

So let’s get a few things out of way before we delve into the notion of variety of
technique. On the test you have 2 objectives.

#1. Your first objective is to not get hit.

#2. Your second objective is to employ appropriate aikido technique in a manner
taught by your Sensei ~ that passes the sho-dan “visual” marker.

At best, the variety of techniques used on the test is a tertiary objective.

Still, as long as you are not getting hit, consistently unbalancing uke, and employing
some descent, albeit repetitive, aikido technique ~ why not seek out some variety
to spice things up?

Here are four suggestions for your consideration. The first two suggestions were
given to me when I was a purple belt by Sensei John Carter. Sensei Lamar Sanders
(Aikikai) helped me with the third suggestion, and I came up with the fourth suggestion
on my own (although I’m sure many people have thought of this same idea before I
came up with it).

#1 Change your initial movement. Particular movement patterns set up particular
techniques. If you are in a rut off of straight punches, begin to enter or blend
differently.

#2 Switch your blocks up. Particular blocking patterns set up particular techniques.
If you are in a rut off of round punches using a 1 handed block, begin using push
blocks instead.

#3 Rather than waiting around to “read” the attack and then reacting to it, decide
where you want to end up relative to uke after his attack (regardless of how he attacks),
and then get there. A video needs to be done to clarify this concept, because it
really works well; especially when you’re dealing with multiple attackers (eg: attacks
similar to the test card that reads, “Attacker A & B: Bring man down by any means
necessary”). Perhaps I’ll get a video out for next month’s newsletter.

#4. Take some free time to organize your applications by strikes. So instead of
listing all the applications you know for each technique (eg: “the Handshake”) list
all the applications of technique that will work on a cross grab, a straight punch,
etc. In this way, you develop a diverse list of techniques that you can run through
for any given attack.

Here is a sample list of techniques that can be used in Defense Against a Roundhouse
Punch:

Once you’ve got your lists together, you’ll want to practice them in order to internalize
them. You might have your uke attack you with the same attack over and over again
(eg: “Give me 20 straight roundhouse punches” ~ while I run through my mental check
list.” Then tell your uke to switch to straight punches, combination punches, grips,
etc.

This is ideal for open mat training opportunities. Finally, once you’re on the
test, just mentally run down the lists as the attacks come.

* Keep in mind that in addition to the simple list that I provided for the round
punches, there are all kinds of potential variations within that list (eg: adjusting
the directions in which techniques are applied) which can be applied to further enhance
your “wow” factor.

One Final Point: Don’t over think it. My experience has been that the more I think
about doing a certain technique (or not doing a certain technique) the less fluidly
I perform whatever it is I end up doing. For me, it generally works best to move
first, take uke’s balance, and then perform whatever technique I have available to
an unbalanced uke. I know I’m doing it wrong when I have to apply too much pressure
to a technique to get it to work. This is patently obvious on “timing” techniques
like “Slap to the Side of the Head.” When things are clicking on Slap to the Side
of the Head, I am able to lead uke to the mat without measurable effort ~ and barely
even making physical contact with uke’s head.

The Tenshin Movement ~ modified to operate out of a shizentai stance. It is a movement
back and off line, offering tremendous kuzushi (balance breaking) opportunities.
The Tenshin movement works especially well against round attacks. Unlike Irimi
and Tenkan Movements, the Tenshin Movement draws uke into the space nage was holding.

The Tenshin Movement

I used the Tenshin Movement to get here ~ (see video below) also.

Uke’s attack was a backhand strike, which I parried well, stepping back with Tenshin
movement to effectively unbalance Uke.... Then I undercut him with an evolved application.
It’s a cross between a Body Block, Pivot Over the Back, Back Breaker, with a little
Muggers Throw thrown in for fun.

While the fall is surprisingly easy, it’s still not a technique you want to bust
out on someone with out confidence in their ukemi abilities.

Before my attack line test, I did this technique on every attacker to make sure they
were ready for it.

Uke Appears Unhappy ~~~

@1:00 you can see the entire attack complete with Tenshin Initial movement

The Tenshin Movement

The Tenshin Movement ~ draws uke into the space nage was holding ~ unbalancing him.
Uke’s back heel rising is a sign it’s being done well.